Archive for August, 2018

THE INTERVIEW SERIES
ALEKS ALEKSANDROVA
SALES AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT, VILLAZZO

Friday, August 31st, 2018

In our ongoing series of interviews, we catch up with Aleks Aleksandrova, Sales and Operations assistant at leading luxury rentals website, Villazzo. Aleks is responsible for the day-to-day management of clients and supporting the overall operation’s function. Here we find out more about her role.

Q: You were born in Bulgaria, before finishing your studies in USA. How has this global breadth helped you in your role?

I’ve always found it extremely useful to speak multiple languages and have an appreciation of other cultures.

During my travels throughout Europe, I’ve learnt to understand different values, something I apply to my work every day when dealing with international clients. Above all, my humble beginnings taught me to be kind to everyone, something I still hold dear today.

Q: You work both in sales and operations, how do you bring both of these roles together?

Both parts of the business complement each other well. The one shared goal is to create an amazing unforgettable experience for our guests. Every part of my job involves creating or selling that dream, and ensuring that the whole process runs smoothly for everyone.

Q: What is a typical working day like for you?

It’s a real mix – no two days are the same. On the sales side I spend a lot of time in the office responding to clients, scheduling showings and reviewing the beautiful properties on offer. When working in operations it’s more ‘front line’ with a real buzz about it. From dealing with reservations to adding personal touches for clients, to visiting properties and ensuring everything is in pristine condition. We take a lot of pride in the way we present our properties, to ensure every need is met – attention to detail is crucial.

Q: What trends are you seeing in the travel industry at the moment?

There continues to be lots of competition in the vacation rental market, with travelers looking for next level luxury. However, there’s nothing that rivals Villazzo and the five-star service we offer, we’re in a class of our own – it’s one of the reasons I love working for the company!

Q: What requests do you most enjoy from clients?

I really enjoy organizing and planning special events for our guests. Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations… even engagements! It’s humbling to think that I could play a role in someone’s special day, and make it even more memorable for them and their loved ones.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?

Multi-tasking comes with its challenges. Dealing with requests from homeowners to staff, as well as customers at the same time requires a certain kind of organization and forward planning.

Q: What makes Villazzo stand-out from its competitors?

Undoubtedly our five-star customer service and commitment to providing only the best for our guests. There is no other brand offering what we do – gorgeous homes in the lap of luxury, at the best prices available.

Q: What is the key to successful customer service?

It goes back to my humble beginnings again – being kind. Also, always doing my best. At the end of the day, I can take pride knowing I’ve done the best job possible.

Q: If you had to pick a destination for unrivalled luxury, where would you choose?

I have a real affinity for Indonesia, specifically Bali. The people are just wonderful, the customer service is outstanding, and the culture is so different to America that I find it wholly fascinating. It’s a fabulous place to visit.

Q: What’s your top tip for someone looking to book a vacation rental with Villazzo?

Don’t think twice – just do it! You won’t regret it.

ITALY VS SPAIN… WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER?

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

La Dolce Vita versus Vicky Cristinia Barcelona, antipasti versus tapas and pasta versus paella! Spain and Italy may be neighbors, but their offerings are varied. When it comes to luxury villas for rent though, they both offer exceptional standards. Where you decide to go is entirely up to the experience you’re after.

To help you decide, we give the low down of two of Europe’s top spots to visit this summer.

Go for the Food

Both countries have a great love of food, both benefitting from their beautiful climate creating delicious tasting local produce and wines.

Villa Regina

For a love of fresh ingredients as well as pizza, pasta and steak, Italy is best served with a glass of local vino on the side. Tuscany provides the perfect backdrop for your luxury villa rental, with lots to explore in the Chianti region.

Villa Carlora

For something meatier, Spain’s famous tapas serves up a rich mix of chorizos, spicy meatballs, fried fish and patas bravas to name a few. There’s no shortage of local wine or ‘cerveza’ either, it would after all be rude not to try a local Estrella! Each region is known for its own speciality, with so much diversity, you’d may be inclined to extend your stay. If you do, Villa Carlota in Marbella is surrounded by peace and tranquillity in its expansive gardens.

Villa Adele

Soak up the Culture

Neither country is short on heritage and sights, but Italy is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. From the Colosseum in Rome, to Michelangelo’s David statue in Florence. Stay in luxury villa in Sorrento and you’ll be close enough to visit the incredible Pompeii historical site.

From the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the Guggenheim in Bilabo and the modern architecture of Valencia. Spain’s cultural sights are endless and plentiful. Gothic architecture with baroque influences, fused with modern design deliver something for everyone.

Villa Livia

Bliss out on the Beach

Glorious weather and coastal shores are a plenty in Spain. The magical Balearic Islands provide the perfect escape for beach life. In fact, it doesn’t get much more exclusive than Villa Livia, a beautiful Ibizan bolthole set in luscious surroundings. It’s also within easy reach of some of the island’s best beaches, including Cala d’Hort and Cala Vadella. Meanwhile, the ultimate beach island of Formentera, just off the coast of Ibiza, demands a visit – least of all for its famous picture postcard views.

Looking to the mainland, Costa Brava is known for its stretches of coasts with turquoise waters, attracting tourists throughout the summer season.

Villa Wendy

Italy is of course known for its lakes, be it Como or Garda. A-listers including George Clooney are huge fans, and as such it attracts a well-heeled visitor. The seductive island of Sardinia, should however not be overlooked. With tens, if not hundreds, of beaches to choose from, it regularly tops the ‘best beaches in the world’ list. Don’t miss out on your luxury villa rental and stay close to the action.

We’ve only skimmed the surface of what these great countries have to offer. However, both are ideal to visit during the warmer summer months, and are well geared towards tourists. Wherever you decide, you can’t go wrong with a trip to two of Europe’s most popular destinations.

Villazzo and Global Luxury Villas provide luxury vacation homes around the globe, including Spain and Italy. Coupled with outstanding service, Villazzo provides all the trappings of a five-star hotel, in the privacy of your own luxury villa.

MARBELLA, MALLORCA, MYKONOS…
WHICH ONE’S FOR YOU!?

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

All good things start with an ‘Mmmm’ and vacations are no exception! Marbella, Mallorca and Mykonos all have one thing in common, and it’s not just the ‘M factor’ – they’re three of the hippest spots to hangout this summer.

Offering something for everyone, with their own distinctive personality, find out which destination is best for you…

Marbella

Marvelous Marbella

Flashy and fabulous, the Costa del Sol has long attracted a jet-set crowd, from its heyday when Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant filmed Charade. Today you’re more likely to rub shoulders with singers, tennis stars and even royalty, who have been known to visit the coastal Spanish resort. While its famous ‘Golden Mile’ attracts a rambunctious crowd, there is serenity to be found in private villas benefitting from the exclusivity of the Sierra Blanca Mountain backdrop. Villa Carlota is one such luxury villa rental accommodating up to 20 guests. This oasis is the perfect place for exclusivity, with a sizeable pool, grand sweeping stairway, sauna and Jacuzzi. The nearby marina of Puerto Banus makes for the perfect evening stroll, where you can moor up alongside the other superyachts!

Famous fans: Sarah Ferguson, Antonio Banderas, Sean Connery, Simon Cowell.

Mallorca

Majestic Mallorca

A small island with a huge personality, Mallorca is known for its azure views, hidden hideaways and some of the best beaches in Europe. Here you can easily get back to nature with rugged mountains and alcoves for exploring, or let nature come to you in one of its many picture-postcard beaches. There’s endless choices for eating out too – islanders are very proud of its great cuisine using local produce. To experience Mallorca at its most majestic though, be sure to book a luxury vacation home, such as the recently renovated 1,300 sqm Villa Pedra estate, for a well-deserved secluded and tranquil break.

Famous fans: Jennifer Aniston, Claudia Schiffer, King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia of Spain.

Mykonos

Magnificent Mykonos

The bustling island of Mykonos is everything you ever dreamed of. Windmills blowing in the warm Mediterranean air, whitewashed walls set against a deep blue sea, and cobble-stone walkways – all coupled with that unmistakable Greek charm! The island comes alive, quite literally to the sound of music, in its summer months, with packed beaches frequented by the young and beautiful. The best way to avoid the hustle, is with your own luxury villa rental. Welcoming to all, Mykonos attracts holidaymakers, fashionistas, wannabees and millionaires, as well as a LGBT crowd. Off-peak the island recharges – this is the time to visit if you prefer a more toned-down Mykonos, without it losing any of its charm.

Famous fans: Grace Kelly, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande.

For spectacular homes at exceptional rates in Marbella, Mallorca, Mykonos and more, visit Global Luxury Villas, part of the prestigious Villazzo group.